From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

With that, June walked away from Lin Zhi, leaving the boy frozen on the stage.

Then, he opened his phone and texted someone. June: You may now post it. June smirked, his footsteps heavy with satisfaction. And then, he was pulled back into reality when Yena held onto his arm.

"You have a meeting in the waiting room in ten minutes. Please tell your other members." June's eyes widened in surprise. It has started. June pursed his lips and went to his members. And then, the eight of them went to the waiting room that already had their group name posted on the door.

"Dang, we're already having a meeting during our first day?" Akira asked.

"At least, let us rest first." The door opened, revealing the main producers of the show, along with Cindy. Cindy threw June a big thumbs up, to which June merely nodded.

"Ah, seeing the eight of you somewhat feels refreshing," Yejin smiled in satisfaction.

"Right?" Yena asked.

"It's been a while since we've had a new group, and I want nothing but the best for you, guys."

"Thanks, producers," Jisung shyly said.

"Well," Yejin clapped.

"We won't be seeing each other as often from now on since the management rights of your team will be handed over to the talent team of Azure Entertainment. However, I have some announcements before the transfer." The members of EVE listened intently.

"First of all, congratulations. You are now a part of LEVEL-UP, an eight-member idol group under Azure Entertainment. The duration of your contract will be discussed on the contract signing."

"You already know that being an idol entails lots of sacrifices," Yena added.

"That is why we are giving you a heads-up. You aren't going to just be idols. You'll be dealing with a lot more than just performing. So, please prepare yourselves for that. Especially you," she glanced at June. June felt dread fill his heart. This was what he was afraid of.

"Unless nothing happens, hopefully, nothing does," Yejin said, recalling the last season's mishaps, "then you'll be able to promote peacefully for at least two years. So, try your best not to get into any scandals then."

"Yup," Yena said.

"Especially the three D's." Sehun raised his hand.

"Umm, the three D's?"

"Yes!" Yena exclaimed.

"Don't ever forget about the three D's—

Dating, Drugs, and Driving Under the Influence. Those three are warranted to tarnish a group's reputation." June shook his head in disbelief. It was quite strange how dating was grouped under literal crimes. But then again, the entertainment world had always been unforgiving to idols who dated.

"Well, that was just a quick orientation," Cindy chimed.

"For now, you might want to get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow, you shall go to Azure's entertainment section, where you'll be given a more in-depth orientation. Oh, make sure to bring your personal items, too."

"For what?" June asked. Cindy chuckled.

"Well, if it isn't really obvious. You are all going to be living with each other!" Jisung and Casper perked up while June felt horror fill his veins.

"Yay!" Akira exclaimed.

***

Lin Zhi entered the luxurious apartment, shutting the door with a loud 'bang.' The air smelled like whiskey and cigarette smoke, so he knew that Laohu was already inside.

"I told you not to barge inside without my permission," a deep voice said. Lin Zhi halted in his tracks. However, since his anger was already through the roof, he opened the lights and stared straight into Laohu's angry eyes.

"Jun Hao," Lin Zhi said, still shaken up.

"I saw Jun Hao just now." Laohu frowned, straightening his posture.

"You're insane. That guy is buried god knows where. He's not going to come back from the dead."

"But he knows," Lin Zhi exasperatedly exclaimed.

"That June guy knows that I killed someone—that we murdered someone!" Laohu looked at Lin Zhi, gauging his honesty. Then, he let out a small chuckle, which eventually turned to full-blown laughter.

"You—you've gone crazy, kid," he said amidst his laughter.

"I was about to scold you for coming in here without my permission, but I'll let you off since you gave me a good laugh."

"I'm being serious," Lin Zhi exasperatedly said.

"I don't know how June knows, but he does! And he stared at me just like Jun Hao did when he knew I did something wrong. I'm not going crazy."

"Lin Zhi," Laohu calmly said.

"Don't let him get into your head. That's exactly what he wants. I can't believe a mere idol trainee was able to manipulate a gang member like you."

"I'm telling the truth," Lin Zhi softly defended himself.

"Well, I'm also telling the truth," Laohu said.

"Don't let him get into your head. You should be more level-headed. Your pride is the reason why you didn't debut tonight."

"My fault?" Lin Zhi asked.

"I thought everything was taken care of! We both know that my debut will be beneficial for both of us. But you left your post—you left me hanging alone."

"That's because I know my limits," Laohu said, taking a swig of the whiskey.

"That guy who handed the envelope a while ago—he was the owner of Mintellect." Lin Zhi froze.

"O—owner?" he stammered.

"Then, does he know that my rank had been switched?"

"He does," Laohu confirmed, making Lin Zhi sit down.

"How does he know?"

"We don't know," Laohu said.

"But it's a good thing only Jo was caught in the act. It'd be more difficult for us if they also found out that you had something to do with the rigging of results."

"So, that's why you didn't do anything?" Lin Zhi scoffed.

"But it's not over yet, right? We can still fight back. It's impossible for June to be the first-ranked trainee," he rambled, sounding insane.

"We'll find something against that June guy, then we'll use it to destroy his group. I—I can't bear to watch the group that I was supposed to debut in being successful. I JUST CAN'T—"

"Lin Zhi," Laohu calmly said, downing the rest of his whiskey.

"It's over." Lin Zhi's body stiffened as he gazed into Laohu's eyes.

"It's over."